New State Funding Boosts Alaska Seafood Workforce Development

Alaska’s seafood industry is getting a significant boost in workforce development thanks to new state funding through the Technical and Vocational Education Program (TVEP). This initiative supports five key programs for both seafood harvesters and processors.

For processors, the Alaska Seafood School will offer three programs focusing on crucial areas: food and processing regulations, automated equipment and refrigeration, and plant management.

Fishermen across Alaska will benefit from two TVEP-funded projects launching this fall: the Skipper Apprentice program in Bristol Bay, providing essential training and mentorship for new crew, and the innovative “Scaled Seafood” project, offering vital fisheries business training.

This funding, partly allocated to Alaska Sea Grant, continues the TVEP’s mission since 2000 to unite industry and state efforts in addressing Alaska’s training needs.

“Support from TVEP is instrumental for Alaska Sea Grant to support Alaska’s seafood workforce,” said Gabe Dunham, fisheries specialist and leader of Alaska Sea Grant’s Marine Advisory Program. “It allows us to leverage the talent of our extension agents and specialists with partners, respond to training needs, and create impacts that benefit Alaskans.”

Alaska Sea Grant is making a real difference for the state’s economy. Last year, their training programs empowered over 600 workers, creating an economic benefit of more than $17 million.

“Our core mission is to support coastal communities and economies, and TVEP funding is essential for us to reach the hardworking people there,” said an Alaska Sea Grant representative. This directly impacts Alaska’s $6 billion seafood industry, which employs over 26,000 Alaskans and is the state’s largest private employer.

Alaska Sea Grant has dedicated over five decades to workforce development for Alaska’s coastal industries and communities. This isn’t just a claim of longevity; it represents a profound and sustained commitment to nurturing the human capital that drives the state’s most vital economic sector, its world renowned seafood industry.